November 24

This week’s image:  winter arrives at Carlton & Parliament

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW


LOCAL NEWS

The grinch strikes again
Local residents on Laurier Ave decided to give their street a bit of Christmas flair.  They hung Christmas lights across the street at its northern end (where the street dead ends) and then along the fronts of their homes up to Wellesley.  Unfortunately, this nice bright idea seems to have broken some of the City of Toronto’s bylaws.  One day after the lights were put up, an official notice was nailed to a hydro pole demanding that they be removed.  CityTV covered this story and the residents’ reactions - click here to watch the news video. 

The Bulletin stops its print edition
Photo:  Frank Touby, Twitter
The Bulletin was a downtown newspaper with a monthly print edition and an online presence.  The October newspaper was its last print edition.  It has experienced continued losses and cannot be sustained. Plans are underway to continue with the online edition - click here to see it.  
The Bulletin featured a lot of very specific local announcements and news reports.  It was, as a result, a satisfying and lively read.  Congratulations to Frank Touby and his staff for your many years as an effective local voice and best wishes for your plans for the online version.

Skating rinks open for the season
Local skaters will be pleased to learn that two nearby rinks will open on Saturday November 26.  The Regent Park rink (480 Shuter) has been fixed up with new lights, boards, fencing, change rooms and accessible washrooms.  The Paul Quarrington outdoor rink (61 Dockside Dr) is part of Sherbourne Common (Sherbourne and Queen’s Quay) and skaters enjoy a great view of the downtown core and the harbour.  Across the Don Valley, the outdoor rink in Riverdale Park East is closed for the season while renovations in the park are handled.


CABBAGETOWN CLASSIFIEDS
Check out this new section.  These classifieds are working - stuff is selling, being rented and getting attention.  Send your announcements by Wednesday evening to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com


This week's announcements-

Garage for rent, Metcalfe and Winchester. Contact 416 460-1864 before December 5th.


Parking space for rent at Sackville and Carlton. Available now.  (416) 967-7196.

CHRISTMAS NEWS 

Christmas kick-off
Save the date for the Cabbagetown BIA holiday kick-off. Decorate the neighbourhood tree. There’ll be treats, Santa selfies, music, wagon rides and snacks.  Bring along some canned goods for the holiday food bank drive.  Saturday November 26 from noon to 2 pm at the corner of Carlton and Parliament.   

Corktown’s winter market
Four Corktown businesses located at King and Parliament - Tandem Coffee (368 King E), Roselle Desserts (362 King E), Linden Grove Floral Studio (356 King E) and Cambria Gallery (91 Parliament) - have teamed up to organize  the Winter market.  Sunday November 27, noon to 5 pm.  

Distillery Christmas Market
One of the season’s biggest Christmas events runs in the Distillery to Thursday December 22. 
Regular events include daily carolling, tours and photos at Santa’s House, a ferris wheel and a gingerbread house for kids, pet photos with Santa, St Nicholas riding on a white horse and lots more. 
Over 350 performers will appear onstage and throughout the Market.  Themed entertainment is presented each day - traditional Tuesday, world Wednesday, classical Thursday, Jazz Friday, pop Saturday and ensemble Sunday.
The Market is open daily except Mondays.  Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 9 pm,  Fridays from noon to 10 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 10 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 9 pm. There’s an entrance fee on Saturday and Sunday - $6.  Weekdays free. 
The daily program is online here.  

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 

Kids at WOW
Kids are invited. WOW (574 Parliament) is launching Christmas fun.  Janine has a tree outside the store that needs ornaments. Kids who bring one and put it on the tree any time over the weekend will get a free balloon.  
On Sunday from 5 to 6 pm, kids can make a Christmas craft to take home.  WOW will supply the crafts. And while the kids are working, parents can enjoy a tea or coffee in WOW’s cafe.  This event is free but it’ll be limited to 25 kids. Please call (647) 352-1969 to register. 

Fair Trade Jewellery
The goldsmith elves at Fair Trade Jewellery (523 Parliament) would like to remind you to get your custom orders by early December to avoid disappointment.  Happily, they’ve made new things for Christmas including a new crop of Cabbagetown pendants ($65) and matching earrings ($75) made in their workshop from dual certified Fairtrade & Fairmined silver.
Beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Be ready for your holiday entertaining during the weeks ahead.  Get your decorating done with festive accents and home accessories from Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). 
Until Nov 29th, save15% off select wool rugs and indoor/outdoor rugs to help you cozy up with friends and family. Check out the available styles online and in store 
Open every day until Christmas - Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. 

Honey tasting at Spruce
Spruce on Parliament (455 Parliament) will feature a special honey tasting and a beekeeping talk from Alveole Honey.  Find out how Cabbagetown honey tastes and sample some more from Rosedale, Leslieville and the Junction.  Saturday November 26, noon to 2 pm.  

Christmas swag
The Cabbagetown BIA has a stocking-full of Cabbagetown goodies - flags, tees and shopping bags.  Get yours at Mi Casa (238 Carlton), Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) and Spruce on Parliament (455 Parliament) or at the BIA office (237 Carlton).  At Spruce, you can also pick up a Cabbagetown toque.  Neat stuff.

COMING EVENTS

Regent Park Film Festival
Save the dates - Wednesday November 23 to Saturday November 26.  It’s free and online seat reservations are available.  There’s a jam-packed program.  Childcare is available on site. Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). Click here to see the Festival’s short video and to find out dates and details.  

How to be an ally
The Centre for Social Innovation and Rania El Mugammar present a panel discussion about Islamophobia in Canada from the perspective of diverse communities with a connection to Islam.  Monday November 28, 6 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

Monthly book club
The Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley at Gerrard) will hold its monthly Book Club meeting for kids ages 8 to 12 on Wednesday, November 30 at 3:45 pm.  Free - snacks will be provided.  This month’s selection is Roald Dahl’s classic Matilda.  The Club is growing and new members are welcome.

Winchester Park Residents’ annual meeting
The Association will hold its 2016 annual meeting on Monday November 28 from 7 to 9 pm in the party room at the Hugh Garner Co-op (550 Ontario).  Two candidates have volunteered to fill vacancies on the Board.  Diane Walter, the Executive Director at Margaret House, will talk about the group’s plans for the four Winchester Street properties that they’re about to use. 

The Cabbagetown that vanished
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s annual Fall meeting.  There’ll be presentations of awards for Streetscapes in Bloom and Volunteeer of the Year.  Gilles Huot will offer a slide show and talk about the Cabbagetown that vanished.  Tuesday November 29, 7 to 9 pm, Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (Winchester, east of Sumach).  

Corktown Christmas party
The Corktown Residents & Business Association will hold its annual Christmas party on Thursday December 1.  As always, there’ll be music, a silent auction and lots of holiday fun.  Dominion on Queen (500 Queen E).  

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse dinner
The annual Christmas fundraiser at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) takes place on Friday December 2 from 6:15 pm.  There’ll be a traditional Christmas dinner, carolling and music by soprano Susan Ryman and by Martin Lindquist & The Leftovers.   Tickets are $110 - click here for more info.  

Amateur Boxing
The Cabbagetown Boxing Club (2 Lancaster behind the Beer Store) is again opening its doors to the public for an afternoon of amateur boxing matches.  Sunday December 4. Doors open at 2 pm and the first match starts at 2:30 pm.  Adult tickets are $20 and tickets for kids under 12 are $12.

Cabbagetown South Christmas party
Cabbagetown South’s annual party is moving to Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton).  As always, it promises to be a fun night with plenty of good food, raffle prizes from our local stores, friendly neighbourhood faces and lots of gossip.  Advance tickets are $17.50 (to November 30) and tickets at the door are $24. Cash bar. Wednesday December 7, 6:30 pm.  To buy your advance ticket, contact the Association at info@cabbagetownsouth.ca 

Social enterprise evening
The Regent Park Catering Collective will present fifteen authentic cuisines to sample and purchase at this year’s Social Enterprise evening - everything from western cupcakes to samosas to biryanis.  The Catering Collective works with Toronto’s health department, the school board and the Paintbox Bistro to provide income and employment opportunities for its members.  The Sewing Collective is also displaying yoga mats, aprons and other handmade crafts.  Check out the Collective’s website.   Thursday December 8, 5 to 8 pm, Toronto Centre for Community Living (540 Dundas E at Sackville).  

Line dancing at CNH
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) in partnership with Toronto Wranglers is offering line dancing sessions.  Beginners and Improver levels are held on Mondays and Improvers and Intermediates on Wednesdays.  7 to 10 pm.  It’s more than a workout - it’s fun, fitness and friendship with an urban flair.  Drop-ins are welcome or call Bobby Chong for more info at (647) 222-2032. Suggested fee is $5/session.  

IN THE MEDIA

Rose Avenue School
Photo: Metroland
Justin Skinner has written about the anti-bullying program at Rose Avenue School.  It’s part of an overall emphasis on kindness and caring among its students.  Click here to read his story.  

Distillery’s Christmas Market
Photo: Hector Vasquez
Amy Carlberg has posted an article in blogTO about the 2016 Market.  It’s full of photos and specific details about Market events and vendors.  

ON STAGE
Scroll down for the full Theatre & Dance Calendar

Writers’ Intensive 2016
Writer/performer Diana Flacks will lead this year’s Intensive.  Writers who have plays in progress are welcome to join.  Three 3-hour workshops are planned - Wednesday November 30 at 7 pm, Saturday December 3 at 9 am and Saturday December 10 at 9 am.  Enrolment is limited to fifteen people.  For a program description and for tickets, click here. $75 for Alumnae members and $100 for non-members.  Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley). 

Comfort
Red Snow Collective presents the world premiere of Comfort - a love story about two youths in Nanjing, China during World War II who find joy and friendship in their shared passion for opera, which later becomes precious in their survival together at a comfort house in Shanghai.  Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  8 pm daily with 2 pm matinees on Saturday. November 25 to December 10 (no performances on Sunday or Monday).  $15 to $28, pwyc on Tuesday December 6.  

Soulpepper Cabaret
Saturdays at 8:30 pm in the Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery).
Saturday November 26,  Autorickshaw Trio - The Music of India, Made in Canada. Tickets and program info are online here, $20 and $25.  
Saturday December 3, Michael Hughes’ Christmas Special.  Tickets and program info are online here.  $20 and $25.  

Chasse-Galerie reviewed in the Globe & Mail
J Kelly Nestruck, has written a very positive review of Soulpepper’s version of Chasse-Galerie.  The play continues at Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) to Saturday December 1 with new performances added to its schedule. Click here for tickets and info.  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Young, Live & Local
Live music by Wesley Attew, Ark, Mitch Belyea and Hudson Hogarth, hosted by Evan Simms.  No cover.  The Local GEST (424 Pariamen), Saturday November 26 at 8:30 pm.  

Cooking up tiny but tasty bites
Cyril’s next class will be held on Tuesday December 6 at 5:30 pm and will feature gorgeous party bites and nibblies - just in time for the holidays.  
To reserve your spot, drop in to Merryberry (559 Parliament) or call directly (647) 348-0411. $45.

F’Amelia is one of the top three!
Toronto Life has listed F’Amelia (12 Amelia) as one of Toronto’s top three Italian restaurants. It’s a glowing review - click here to read it.  

Peartree’s anniversary
It’s the last week to celebrate.  November is Peartree’s anniversary month - 23 years in Cabbagetown.   There’s a special prix-fixe menu - dinner for two people is $50 and dinner with wine or beer for two is $60.  Your meal includes an appetizer, entree and dessert.  Click here to read the menu details. 507 Parliament. 

Under the Table
Kim and Betty are taking a vacation.  The restaurant will close next week from Monday November 28 to Wednesday December 7.  Have fun!  568 Parliament. 

THEATRE & DANCE CALENDARS 

ALUMNAE THEATRE
70 Berkeley Street

2016 Fireworks Festival - Now to November 27.
Online info and tickets here

Writers’ Intensive 2016 with Diana Flacks
Online info and tickets here.  


CANADIAN STAGE
Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley Street

Wrestling Jerusalem - November 23 to 27
Online info and tickets here.

Intermission, Vol IIX, Scientists for Love - November 26
Online info and tickets here.  

Coming next -
Who Killed Spalding Gray - November 30 to December 11
Online tickets and info here.

COLEMAN LEMIEUX & COMPAGNIE
The Citadel
304 Parliament Street

Bright Nights Series
Damage Done - November 23 to December 11    
Online tickets and info here.   

SOULPEPPER
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
 All performances are in the Young Centre (Distillery - 50 Tank House Lane) except those specifically noted for the St Lawrence Centre.

Chasse-Galerie - Now to November 26
Online tickets and info here.

A Christmas Carol - December 2 to December 24
Online tickets and info here

It’s a Wonderful Life - December 9 to December 24 (St Lawrence Centre)
Online tickets and info here

Hocus Pocus - December 10 to December 31
Online tickets and info here

NATIVE EARTH PERFORMING ARTS   
Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum,  585 Dundas St E

Comfort - November 25 to December 10
Online tickets and info here.  

SCHOOL OF TORONTO DANCE THEATRE
80 Winchester Street

Impulse - December 1 to December 3 and December 8 to December 10
Photo:  Cylla von Tiedermann
Online tickets and info here. 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 4

  • For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.  
  • If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24

Dominion
8 pm, Woody
The Irv
7:30 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8:30 pm, Cabbage Head comedy

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Dominion
8 pm, Your Girl Flav
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26

Dominion
8 pm, Lauren Knowles Trio
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  
11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s - jazz, blues, soul and R&B.
Soulpepper
8:30 pm, Autorickshaw Trio - The Music of India, Made in Canada, $20 and $25.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11 am, Live jazz and brunch
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring Heidi Lange

MONDAY NOVEMBER 28

Fuse 
Free Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 29

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Wednesday Night Trivia
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam

THURSDAY DECEMBER 1

The Irv
7:30 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
Local GEST
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3

Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  
11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s - jazz, blues, soul and R&B.
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike
Soulpepper
8:30 pm, Cabaret - The Michael Hughes’ Christmas Special, $20 and $25. 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11 am, Live jazz and brunch 
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz


CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188,  https://www.facebook.com/CorktownKitchen 
CRANBERRIES
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555, https://www.facebook.com/DominionTO/
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121, https://www.facebook.com/elcatrin.ca
FUSE
366 Queen St E, http://fusedining.com 
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
IMPACT KITCHEN
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub/
THE LOCAL GEST
424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
MERRYBERRY CAFE
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-beer-hall/
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-brew-pub/
MURGATROID
568 Parliament, (416) 323-9381, https://www.facebook.com/MurgatroidTO
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346, https://www.facebook.com/odinhus
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, https://www.facebook.com/PaintboxBistro/
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
UNDER THE TABLE

568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto